The puri-shrikhand combination although mostly associated with Maharashtra, is a delicacy one would come across at any celebration, anywhere in India. The combination of the hot puri and the cold shrikhand is India's answer to the hot pancakes and cold ice-cream combination. The combination is a 'must-have' at most Indian weddings. The puri-shrikhand combination is very nourishing too, a combination of the goodness of wheat and the cooling effect of fruit flavored yogurt. Puri-shrikhand is a hit with children and adults alike and very easy to put together at home.
Ingredients:
For the puris:
1. 2 cups Indian whole wheat flour
2. 1/2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3. Salt to taste
For the shrikhand:
1. Strained yogurt
2. Equal amount of refined sugar
3. Diced fruit of choice (mango, strawberry, musk-melon) or fruit pulp
4. Cardamom powder
5. Strains of saffron
6. Chopped dry fruits for the garnish
Popular Accompaniments:
- Bland potato vegetable or any vegetable gravy
- Butter milk
Preparation:
Puris
1. Mix together the whole wheat flour, vegetable oil and salt in a bowl, till the mixture feels grainy to touch.
2. Slowly add about 3/4 cup warm water. The water should be added slowly and just enough to form smooth, firm dough.
3. Knead the dough till smooth and even.
4. Cover the dough with a moist muslin cloth and set aside for at least 1/2 hour.
Shrikhand
1. Tie and hang the yogurt till a thick, creamy yogurt is obtained.
2. Dice the fruit or pulp the chopped fruit in a blender.
Main Cooking:
Puris
1. Divide the puir dough into small golf-ball sized balls.
2. Roll the dough into 5 to 6 inch rounds on a board that is oiled well and with a rolling-pin that is oiled too.
3. Slowly lower the rounds, one by one, into the pre-heated vegetable oil in a saucepan.
4. Once the puris puff, turning each once only, fry till light brown, drain and set aside.
5. Allow the excess oil to drain off onto tissue paper.
Shrikhand
1. Place the strained yogurt and sugar in a deep mixing bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly, either using a spoon or a hand mixer.
3. Add the diced fruit and continue to mix well.
4. Add the cardamom powder and saffron and refrigerate.
Presentation:
Serve the shrikhand puri as a dessert or as breakfast. While the shrikhand should be served chilled, garnished with chopped dry fruits; the puris should be served hot.
For the shrikhand: